What Happened to Daniel James Amendola?
Danny Amendola is a former NFL wide receiver who played 13 seasons, most notably winning two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. After retiring in July 2022, he briefly transitioned to coaching with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 and has since participated in reality television, including "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" (2023) and "Dancing with the Stars" (2024), while also pursuing real estate ventures.
Quick Answer
Danny Amendola retired from the NFL on July 25, 2022, following a 13-season career where he earned two Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots. Since his retirement, he served as a coaching assistant for the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2023 season, appeared on the reality show "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" in January 2023, and was a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2024. He was also inducted into the Texas Tech Red Raiders Hall of Fame in 2024 and is involved in real estate in Austin, Texas.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Born in The Woodlands, Texas
Daniel James Amendola was born in The Woodlands, Texas.
Begins College Career at Texas Tech
Amendola starts playing college football for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, excelling as a wide receiver and punt returner.
Signed by Dallas Cowboys as Undrafted Free Agent
After going undrafted in the NFL Draft, Amendola signs with the Dallas Cowboys, spending his rookie season on their practice squad.
Signed by St. Louis Rams
Amendola is signed off the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad by the St. Louis Rams, where he begins his active NFL playing career.
Leads NFL in All-Purpose Yards
In his second season with the Rams, Amendola leads the NFL in all-purpose yards with 2,364, showcasing his versatility as a receiver and returner.
Signs with New England Patriots
Amendola signs a five-year contract with the New England Patriots, becoming a key slot receiver for Tom Brady.
Wins Super Bowl XLIX
Amendola helps the Patriots defeat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in Super Bowl XLIX, securing his first Super Bowl ring.
Wins Super Bowl LI
Amendola plays a crucial role in the Patriots' historic 22-point comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, winning his second championship.
Final NFL Season with Houston Texans
Amendola plays his last professional season with the Houston Texans, recording 24 receptions for 248 yards and three touchdowns in eight games.
Announces NFL Retirement
After 13 seasons in the NFL, Danny Amendola officially announces his retirement from professional football.
Appears on 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test'
Amendola participates in the first season of the FOX reality television series 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test'.
Joins Las Vegas Raiders Coaching Staff
Amendola is hired by the Las Vegas Raiders as a coaching assistant/returners coach, reuniting with Josh McDaniels.
Parts Ways with Las Vegas Raiders
Amendola concludes his coaching stint with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Inducted into Texas Tech Red Raiders Hall of Fame
Danny Amendola is inducted into the Texas Tech Red Raiders Hall of Fame.
Contestant on 'Dancing with the Stars'
Amendola is announced as a contestant on the 33rd season of 'Dancing with the Stars'.
Sells Austin Mansion
Reports indicate Amendola sells his Austin, Texas mansion.
Praised by Tom Brady in Georgetown Speech
Tom Brady praises Danny Amendola during a Georgetown commencement speech, highlighting his clutch performances and resilience.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Daniel James Amendola, born on November 2, 1985, embarked on a remarkable NFL career as an undrafted free agent. After playing college football at Texas Tech, where he excelled as a receiver and punt returner, Amendola signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2008, spending time on their practice squad before a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad.
His professional playing career truly began when he was signed by the St. Louis Rams in 2009, where he quickly established himself as a dynamic slot receiver and return specialist, even leading the NFL in all-purpose yards in 2010. Amendola's career reached its peak during his five seasons with the New England Patriots (2013-2017), where he became a trusted target for Tom Brady and earned the nickname 'Playoff Danny' for his clutch postseason performances. He played in three Super Bowls with the Patriots, winning two (Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 and Super Bowl LI in 2017). He was particularly instrumental in the Patriots' historic 28-3 comeback victory in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons, scoring a crucial touchdown and a two-point conversion.
Following his successful tenure with the Patriots, Amendola had stints with the Miami Dolphins (2018), Detroit Lions (2019-2020), and concluded his playing career with the Houston Texans in 2021. He officially announced his retirement from professional football on July 25, 2022, after 13 seasons. In his retirement announcement, Amendola indicated an interest in pursuing other ventures, including broadcasting.
In 2023, Amendola transitioned to coaching, joining the Las Vegas Raiders as a coaching assistant/returners coach, reuniting with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. He parted ways with the Raiders in February 2024. Beyond football, Amendola has explored opportunities in entertainment, appearing on the FOX reality series "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" in January 2023 and as a contestant on the 33rd season of "Dancing with the Stars" in 2024. He was also inducted into the Texas Tech Red Raiders Hall of Fame in 2024. As of May 2026, Amendola is actively involved in real estate in Austin, Texas, and continues to make public appearances. His former teammate Tom Brady recently praised Amendola in a May 2026 Georgetown commencement speech, highlighting his resilience and clutch performance.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Daniel James Amendola made different choices?